Prime wants to hire 'as many existing personnel' from Schneider as possible

Kevin Ryden

A new trucking company won a bid to service Walmart Distribution Center in Olney and will soon take over operations from Schneider National.

Prime, Inc., a refrigerated, flatbed, logistics and tanker-trucking company, signed a multi-year contract with Walmart. Although he was unsure of exactly how many years are involved in the contract, John Hancock, who serves as Director of Recruiting for Prime, said the company would expect it to be around 15 years, approximately the amount of time Schneider has been here.

Prime was also awarded a contract in Shelbyville, Tenn.

Hancock said Prime will have to "assess and transition" before taking over the facility, which is next to Walmart Distribution Center on U.S. 50. The timetable is still being established, but Prime anticipates taking over by March.

He said Prime wants to hire "as many existing personnel" from Schneider as possible. Schneider has dedicated employees, Hancock said, and he feels there will need to be between 150 to 170 employees at Prime.

According to figures from last year, Schneider has approximately 200 employees.

"This is a big deal for us and there's going to be some competitive jobs. If they were doing something over there, we want them to be part of our team," Hancock said.

He said he thinks there may even be a slight pay increase for drivers compared to what they make at Schneider.

There will be a job fair this week at The Holiday from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

The company is seeking drivers, diesel and reefer technicians, and operations and dispatch personnel.

Prime was founded in 1970 by Robert Low. Its headquarters are located in Springfield, Mo.